Another kind of Art...

Growing up in a dance studio, never in a million years did I ever think I'd swap my tap shoes for a sword. But then life has a funny way of surprising you…

One day I showed up to a dance class and found a very tall Korean with a sword instead of my teacher in jazz shoes, I thought "why not? Let's see how far I can go…"

That was five years ago, now I have finally achieved 3rd Dan grade in Haidong Gumdo, the Korean art of the sword. I am absolutely hooked, which in Haidong Gumdo lore means I heeded the call of the sword...

Haidong Gumdo can be traced back to the Koguryo Empire (37 b.C – 668 A.D), when General Yu Yu developed a form of martial art that would enable soldiers to fight against Chinese invading armies. Known as samurang, these elite soldiers became invincible as Haidong Gumdo is designed for 1 to 100 combat.

Nowadays Haidong Gumdo is regarded as a martial art and code of honor; it challenges the mind, body and spirit. Many of the tasks in Haidong Gumdo seemed impossible to me, as I have had to learn to move and use my body in a way entirely different to how I was used to in dancing. There have been times when I felt discouraged, but in Haidong Gumdo I learned not to give in to fear.

Many are the challenges that Haidong Gumdo poses, and each one brings many precious teachings. The name itself carries many meanings, as Hai can refer to the sun as well as to the sea; Dong refers to the east, as well as the energy stemming from sunlight. Gum means sword, and Do is a term that encompasses many meanings: an approach to a body of mental and physical skills that can be referred to as art, yet it also refers to a path, therefore Gumdo refers to the path of the sword.

Training in Haidong Gumdo is multi-faceted; there are different beautiful combinations with various degrees of difficulty (for me, cartwheels!); and there is a versatile collection of tasks that include putting out candles with the sword, without touching them; cutting fruit, rice straw, and bamboo.

Haidong Gumdo is one of the most ancient forms of martial arts, yet has only recently been introduced to the world, by the "Five Swords of the Sacred Mountain." That is how the president of the World Haidong Federation introduced the five masters who were charged with the responsibility of teaching it to the world. One of them is my teacher, Master Kim Yang Tae, who founded Mexico's haidong gumdo association (www.hdgd.com.mx). The feats of these extraordinary samurangs and their international students can be seen on www.youtube.com.

Myths & Masks

Isn't it amazing how many, many cultures in different parts of world have similar customs? One that I particularly admire is the use of masks in different contexts: religious, festive, carnival, theatrical and dance.

I admire the detailed craftsmanship in Balinese dance masks, whereas the psychedelic patterns of the Huichol masks intrigue me with their symbolic meanings. The festive masks used during Carnivals, such as Venice's or Rio de Janeiro's, meld tradition and fantasy.

The masks of Africa are extraordinary! They symbolize each tribe's historical journey: their past and their present, their beliefs, their rituals, and their art. Masks can only be worn by chosen or initiated people during special ceremonies of initiation, harvest, war preparations, funerals, or hunting. Masks are believed to embody the spirit of an ancestor, and they symbolize a message of wisdom, prosperity, security, and power. Many believe the wearer is possessed by spirit the mask represents.

There are different types of African masks, for example there are those that cover the whole face, shaped like helmets encasing the head, or like a crest that rests upon the face.

According to Yoruba customs, funeral masks are worn by the community's healer, who is believed to communicate with the deceased. The Yoruba have many different types of masks because their art is so rich and versatile.

Baule masks can represent an animal, a human, or both, in that a human mask may have an animal attribute. Only men are allowed to wear the masks, which are believed to put the wearer in contact with Gu, who they regard as the ruler of the world. The pictured mask here is handcrafted by Ernestina Oppong, one of a handful of women carvers that has succeeded in a field traditionally reserved for men.

Wannabe artist...

Half-way through the rainy season in Mexico, and all around nature is blossoming – how can one remain uninspired? I recently went trekking around Amatlan del Valle guided by Don Julio, who grew up there and is now regarded as a shaman. Part of the hike was on the same route that many follow on their yearly pilgrimage to Chalma, regarded as the second largest after Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Don Julio took us to where once was a temple to the God of Corn, known as a Cinteopa. Though one can only see vestiges of the pyramid, it is evident that people still go to the site with offerings for a good harvest. Don Julio blew his conch towards every cardinal point, as well as to the heavens and down towards Mother Earth, asking us to show our appreciation by kneeling and putting our hands on the ground (avoiding big red ants!) to thank Mother Earth for all that she's given us.

Reflecting on "all that she gives us," I realized that inspiration is also one of her greatest gifts. I was inspired to paint all that I could see – how I wish I could! But alas, I am greatly challenged that way!

My appreciation for the work of artists increased even more – I am also envious of them! It's amazing the way they capture the magnitude of Nature's beauty with masterful strokes of their brush. I especially admire artists who specialize in watercolor paintings.

The way artists blend colors in different media to mirror those of nature is definitely an innate gift. The patience with which they detail every leaf, every wave, and every texture requires the kind of meticulous dedication and patience that truly distinguishes them as great artists. I think artists must also have an enormous generous heart – how else can they part from their works of art so that the rest of the world can see the beauty of their homelands through their paintings?

Trendy & Chic the Natural Way

In an age where everything is pre-fabricated and disposable, and when life is constrained by a tight schedule, it is truly a privilege to take the time to appreciate Nature. Seasons are determined by natural occurrences, not by artificial means that measure the passing of time in minutes and hours. In Nature, there are no deadlines – there's the priceless gift of continuity.

There are many ways to appreciate Nature's continuous cycle, and one of my favourites is through art and design. I love how, lured by the colorful radiance of natural gemstones, jewellers capture the subtleties of Mother Earth's energies and amazing colors. Set in silver or gold, hanging from leather or cotton, radiant amethysts, garnets, citrines and more make for one-of-a-kind necklaces, because two natural gems of the same type will never glow with the same intensity and color.

Nature can also be appreciated through bracelets that are woven by hand from natural fibers. In Bali and Brazil, designers combine gemstones with bamboo, reed, Makassar ebony, and coconut wood. They truly are wearable works of art with a fascinating ethnic accent.

The continuity of Nature can be appreciated with handmade jewelries, especially as they can eventually become loving heirlooms. They also make for original and personal gift ideas as friends receive a necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings with their birthstone. I always get stuck finding gifts for men, and have recently found that gemstone cufflinks are a great option, and highly original too!

Chess & the Storytellers

When we were kids, my sisters and I loved to play chess – actually no, let me rephrase that – we loved to play with the chess pieces. We either made up fantastical stories about the king and queen, or made them part of the scenery starring our dolls and teddy bears. And yes, we lost so many pieces that dad ended up getting two sets, a wood chess set for us to play with, and a Mexican onyx one for him to play with!

Imagine my surprise when I encountered Novica's international collection of chess sets – the perfect contribution to my web of stories! See, chess appeals and challenges artists too, and classic chess pieces become characters from religion, legends, or history, like Peruvian chess sets featuring Inca royalty and army facing a Spanish court.

Hand-carved wood chess sets from Bali are exquisitely detailed – their storage box even becomes a table! The classic king and queen pieces become Buddha and Kwam Im or Rama and Sita. Chess players can enjoy the intellectual challenge taking place in the realm of Buddhism, the Ramayana – even in the Barong, a classic Balinese dance! Other themes include mighty dragons, lions, tigers and frogs.

Novica's versatile collection of chess sets ranges from India's classic wood versions, to ultra-modern, urban styles from Mexico. They are crafted by hand from recycled auto parts – ever seen a NGK and AC DELCO spark plug bishop?

The Nature of Handbags...

"And when did you get this handbag?" demanded to know my six year-old niece. She continued to question me about the details: where it came from and who had given it to me (she doesn't seem to grasp the idea that as an adult, one pretty much buys one's own stuff). I'm beginning to think she has a running inventory of my wardrobe in her little head; any new addition must be run by her for approval!

When she comes to visit with her older sister, they hardly stop to say hello as they dash past me to rummage through my wardrobe and begin their endless dress-up games. They'll dress their cousin too, who at three years-old loves to follow them around. It makes my sisters and me nostalgic – how we enjoyed our fantastic dress-up games! However, the most sought-after items weren't mum's clothes – it was her handbags! The girls seem to have inherited this penchant for handbags… and the things they'll put in them! If there's something I can't find, I jut need to remember which bags they were playing with and true enough, I'll find the T.V. remote in one of them!

My nephews love to inspect backpacks and briefcases and once finished they'll solemnly declare the function and purpose of every pocket ('pens go here, mobile goes there') and compartment ('notebook goes here'). You've got to wonder if our affinity towards bags, purses, backpacks, etc is genetically determined – one more for the nature-nurture debate?

Grandma's attic in her old Victorian house in Matlock Bath (Derby) was truly a treasure trove. Amongst the many things there, she kept fabulous handbags that once belonged to her mother and grandmother. Mum now keeps them in an old hat box in her house in Mexico – safe from my nieces' inquisitive chocolate fingers!

The thing about handbags is that there will always be one to suit any occasion, just as there will always be a bag that will please the most demanding of tastes – even if one doesn't 'like' to carry bags (and stuff everything in their jeans' pocket instead).

Of Dragons and Jaguars...

Did dragons really exist, or are they just mythical creatures that appear in legends? How come dragons are related to religion and spiritualism, and other animals are related to superstitions? A dragon sculpture tempts imagination...

In Hindu and Buddhist faiths, dragons are wise, benevolent creatures; they represent the primal forces of nature and the universe. In Indonesia, dragons are believed to protect the gods -- no wonder Balinese carvers create such detailed masterpieces!


The jaguar remains popular nowadays, for example soccer and football teams in several countries are named after them or adopt them as team mascots. Jaguars inspire the art of Armando Ramírez, who recycles metal and auto parts into the fearsome presence of a wild jaguar.


Did you know that an elephant facing the door is supposed to bring you good luck? Same applies if you have an elephant sculpture with its trunk turned upwards.

Frogs seem to be benevolent creatures in most cultures around the world. In Indonesia, their arrival is seen as a good omen: it means the start of the rainy season and the promise of a good harvest. In Europe, an old wife's tale claims that a frog brings good luck to the house it enters.

Nature's creatures inspire myriad legends, beliefs and fables, as well as the original sculptures and wood carvings of artists around the world. And the materials they work with are equally fascinating! Gemstones, wood, silver and bronze are but a few.